The story behind Zackria Colony

                           The story behind Zackria Colony             

I (S. Kasturi Rangan, 66), would like to share some history of Zakaria Colony. I have been at Zackria colony since childhood.  Holding the position of secretary of Choolaimedu Exnora Club, I have highlighted several deficiencies of the service departments such as Chennai Corporation, Metro Water, etc and have helped to find improvements. 

“Over the years, the entire property of Zakaria Colony was bought by many. During 1916, the area was under a merchant named Carl Simon Sochne of Madras. On winding up of the business on British India, the said property was then transferred to the Govt. of Madras.”

“Consequently, the Govt. had appointed a liquidator F.H. Wilson also known as the Solicitor of Madras, who later decided to dispose of the property. And then, the auction takes place on 16 October 1916 where the M/S: Best and Co. Ltd was declared as the highest bidder of the property and it was sold to them”,

Further “In 1939, Abdul Shukoor Seth purchased the entire colony and named it Zakaria Colony and plotted the area and got the sanction and approval from the district board of Chengalpettu.”

Our family purchased a plot in 1951 and since then we are staying there. “During those years , there were about 120 residents whereas now the area has more than about 600 residents”,

“After the 60’s the Kodambakkam Bridge was built and Zakaria Colony is under the flyover and during the 80’s the drainage system started getting developed in the colony. The area started developing slowly and today we have all facilities in and around the colony”,

“Zakaria Colony consists of one main road and four streets and it comes under Choolaimedu post. The colony is also popular because former Chief Minister Dr. M. K Karunanidhi resided in the second street of the colony in 1951. Stalin once narrated at the Exnora meeting that he spent his childhood days in the colony”,

KASTURI RANGAN SRINIVASAN -Started his social activities at the age of 18

                                   Social Activities

I started my social activities at the age of 18. I was associated with Santhi Arts Academy,a cultural organization from 1968 to 1988 in different capacities and was instrumental in conducting more than 500 Cultural Programmes for the members. My neighboring area T.Nagar was the one that first recognized my services. My values and ethics have taken shape in Kodambakkam and T.Nagar.

In different capacities, I have served in Zackria Colony Residents Welfare Association for some years from 1980-90. I was at forefront in organizing many awareness programmes organized by Zackria Colony Residents Welfare Association during my tenure.

After retirement, I have devoted my full time in social activities that I always wanted to engage with.

Exnora International had nominated me as a Secretary to Choolaimedu Exnora Innovator’s Club (May 2000) and I was at the forefront of several Projects, Awareness programmes, Meetings in the Choolaimedu area till today, viz

Organised  Free medical camps, Awareness programmes,

Formed  Forums

Initiated many Concepts

Celebrated Main Events

Conducted Signature campaign and Smile contest , photo exhibition

Discussed many Govt.actions

Felicitated the former Minister , former Mayor, former Councillors,V ips Appreciation Award Presented to Govt.officials.

Recognition Certificate issued for 201 persons for their outstanding contributions to  the upliftment of the Choolaimedu Area

As a Secretary, the Award Received from the following Organizations:

 Exnora International presented  “Exnora Excellence Award “

Chennai District Exnora presented  “Outstanding Performance      Award 2004”

Exnora club of Anna Nagar presented an Appreciation  Award  “Excel 2003” 

Diabetic Association of India presented an “Appreciation Award”.

Nungambakkam Times (Neighbourhood Newspaper)  presented  an “Appreciation Award”

Express Exnora Civic forum (A service Partnership Programme of The New Indian express and  Exnora) presented Civic Crusaders Award to the President and Secretary.

 Exnora International presented Out standing Services to the Society Special Award -2014

 Exnora International presented Exemplary Services to the Society Award -2015

Above all, I am very popular among the residents of Choolaimedu and influential  among  the officials of the Chennai  Corporation , Metro Water , Police Department and EB

I entered into Exnora, not out of conscious desire, it was an accident. However, today with good guidance and support of M.B.Nirmal, I have contributed something to the residents of Choolaimedu through Choolaimedu Exnora  If I’m proud of anything, it is that more than 46 years I have been involved in social service. I'm proud of this than anything else in my career and I will continue to contribute something to the society (through Exnora). My goal in life is that my actions have to be a remembered even after I’m gone.

Sri. M.B.Nirmal ,and Sri. R. Govindaraj of Exnora International are my good friends, philosopher, guide and a great source of inspiration to me. They have always encouraged me by quoting inspiring incidents of other community programmes.

More than what I gave for exnora, what I received was ten folds. I gained number of friends all over, which I feel is a privilege and a gift. We maintain friendship without the help of facebook and whatsapp. My friendship with Mr.M.B.Nirmal, Mr.R.Govindaraj and Dr.A.Panneerselvam has been very special. 

I have known nothing more than solving civic issues and being a liaison between the public and Govt officials.

I never viualized myself to be associated with any organisation. During my schooldays, I had never been on stage and today,I stand as secretary of the club for continuous eighteen  years, I have hosted public programmes on stage. It is astonishing to understand what drove me to this point. I was an average boy at school and college, but something transformed to an extraordinary performer later.

Currently, I serve as the Vice President in Exnora International, Secretary in Choolaimedu Exnora Innovator's Club, and Life member in Indian Red Cross Society

I convey my thanks to Sri. M.B.Nirmal, Sri.R.Govinda Raj,and Dr.A.Panneerselvam  for the encouragement they have given to me all these years for the successful running of the Innovator’s club. They have always been a source of inspiration to me. Today, I dedicate the huge success of my Exnora life to them.

I believe that progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds, cannot change anything.

                                                    

                          

Years of Education, Employment and Retirement

                  Years of Education, Employment and Retirement

               

My life is pretty exhaustive. It is not possible to tell my tale in brief. I would like to highlight some significant and note-worthy events of my life. I classify the events of my life in three phases -Years of Education, Years of Employment and My Retirement stage.

Years of Education

I was born as the first son in my family in 1950 at my maternal grandfather’s house at Ramanathan Street, Mambalam. Most of the days, I used to stay at my grandfather’s house, where my grandparents and my maama Sri C.S.Rangan, Maami Smt.Bama, their son, my periamma and her daughters lived jointly as a big family. The house was a bungalow with six grounds spread in area. My grandfather and a maternal uncle were jointly running a wholesale Paper merchant business at Bunder Street and Badrian Street. They were the prime supporters of our entire family both financially and morally.  During my summer holidays, I used to spend my leisure by assisting them in their business by doing whatever small tasks I could.

The entire family of my mother’s siblings which covered minimum of 25 people used to gather at Mambalam house for Diwali celebration. Crackers were bought in bulk orders and shared among all children in the house. Unlike nowadays, as a custom, all school going children were gifted with two sets of uniforms along with Diwali dress. I cannot imagine any such big family gathering ever again in the future. We have reached a stage where we celebrate festivals in whataapp wishes.

I did my schooling at Saraswathy Vidhayalaya in elementary level, and at Sri Ramakrishna Mission Boys High School.(Main) in high school level. In both schools. I was only an average student. I must say that I somehow managed to do B.Com at the New College, Chennai. I got a seat at New college only by influence of my Athimber,  late Sri.V.R.Sampath.

During childhood days, pawnshop was the only quick, convenient and confidential way to borrow money for emergencies. When in need, we used to seek the help of known persons to do the transaction of pledging silver. During my days, it was my gold ring which often visited the pawnshop to meet urgent needs.

When we constructed the first floor in our old house, we borrowed money from the co-operative bank by pledging our house. Immediately after construction one Mr.Y.V.Rao film Director had come for rent. He started making the rent payment quite irregular. At one stage he stopped the rent payment due to failure in his business. Consequently, the interest money due to the bank also accumulated. At the extreme state legal action had to be taken by the cooperative bank for auction. My father somehow managed to solve the problem. But, it wasn’t an easy task at all. My father has sacrificed a lot for running the family.

During my college days, I used to get a rupee a day for pocket money. After paying the to and fro bus ticket to college, I had enough left for a taking lunch in Thousand lights café. That’s how far a rupee was valuable for.

My public life started during my childhood. Once, I attended a public gathering at Arcot road ( now corporation commercial complex). It was only when I went nearer to a dias that I realised it was Anna who was addressing the gathering. I had an opportunity to see and hear his speech.

 Later, my parents identified a girl Ms.Radha, who became my soulmate which I consider the best gift of my life. She is a dynamic women who has been my support throughout the journey of my life. Her excellent culinary skills are definitely to be mentioned. She always has a thirst to learn new skills. She is a quick learner and works on computers and mobiles very comfortably.

We have two children, Smt. K. Pavithra married to Sri.Prasidh Ramabadran and Grand son Chi.Ayan Prasidh and a Son  Sri.. K. Venkatesh married to Smt.Shravanthy and has grand-son Chi.Adithiya and Grand  Daughter-Baby.Adithi Venkatesh DOB.

Coming from middle class family background, I couldn’t engage myself to social service during earlier years. It was mostly the time and effort spent on surviving the battle and giving good education to my children

Years of Employment

After Graduation i got employed in Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd and served more than 30 years. I served in the different capacities Viz. Liaison officer, Sales Development officer, Assistant Public Relations Officer , Public Relations Officer.  During my tenure, Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd , had nominated me as General Secretary to Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd. Central Sports Council in the year 1995. I have organized inter Regional Sports meet at Erode .

I was specially drafted for the work in connection with the 22^nd International film festival 1991 and I have performed my duties creditably.

I have opted for VRS in the year 2004 ( 4 years before retirement ). I have got several accolades from the senior I.A.S officers for my excellent service during their tenure in Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd. I have served with 63 I.A.S officers and  Food Ministers directly during my service.

My philosophy in life keeps me contented and happy. I am a man of simple needs. I have had no great aspirations. My balance sheet is perfect. No materialistic life, hence, no debts and no assets created by me. No commitments and no unnecessary or unwanted needs.

A Tribute to My Father

                   

                       Late Sri.Madapuzhi Mohanur Narashiman.Srinivasan

                                   

At this point in my career, it requires to make a presentation about myself as an assignment. Everyone has a fair share of sorrow and happiness in life. Mine is no different or the same as the others. Some life memories are very special. In some ways, they have made me feel happy, and yearn for more and some very frightening and disheartening that I would not want to even dream of. Nevertheless, everything has made me strong.

Let me begin with my father Late Sri.N.Srinivasan. My father was born on 29/09/1925 to Mr.M.V.Narashima Iyyengar and Mrs. Namagiri Ammal. He was born in Thiruvanamalai. My grandfather was in service at Tiruvanamalai then as a Magistrate. Later they relocated to Madras (now Chennai), where my father spent the rest of his childhood.

My father ,after schooling at Sri Ramakrishna Mission Boys High School (Main) and graduating B.A at Loyola College, my father took his first assignment at Madras High Court and later served till retirement at the Accountant General’s (A.G’s) Office.

My great grandparents lived a long life. My father and Chithappa’s family supported them well. In the earlier years, the grand parents were taken care by my chitappa’s family at West Mambalam.. Later my father took care of my grand father in our house., Both my grandparents grew very old and their health was sinking day by day. My father used to go to West Mambalam house regularly and assist

my grand parents in all respects.

My father was blessed with a very supportive spouse Mrs. Vedam (1932) and three sons Sri.S.Kasturi Rangan, Sri.S.Raman, Sri.S.Vasu and two daughters Ms.Vijayalakshmi  & Mrs.Vasumathy .

After work every day, my father used to attend to his parents and after coming home his time was spent mostly taking care of his handicapped daughter ‘Vijayalakshmi’. As we were young children, we could not do much to support to our parents. We were very young to even understand the emotional state of our parents.

My sister Ms.Vijayalakshmi was a noble soul. She is no more with us now. She suffered from an undiagnosed health problem since 5 months of birth. She never walked or talked. She was completely paralyzed. However, she had a big dynamic family around her to support and shower love to her till her last breath. My mother and father showed unconditional love to her and taught us how differently abled people should be loved equally in this world. She was so blessed that even the daughters-in-law and son-in-law and their families were very affectionate to her. Srikrishna made my sister very famous naming her “Tapu” He used to treat her as his age and play with her. She never spoke a word but all in the family conversed with her emotionally. Everyone knew that it was a stomach ache that made her cry and sonpapdi that made her smile.

My mother is now about 83 years is leading fulfilled life. She definitely requires a special mention. She has always gone above and beyond to get my sister treated and always hoped that her daughter would be miraculously recovered. It was her love that kept my sister a long life. My mother did not do an M.B.B.S, but she was my sister’s personal doctor throughout her life. She was the one who managed to keep her alive for so long.

My parents never shared their problems with anyone. They accepted the way of life. To me, they are my role models for showing selfless service to humanity. With all the problems at home, we always found home a pleasant place as it was my parents who created such an atmosphere with their matured way of leading life.

My father taught me lessons after school. He used to read the lessons and all that I used to do was only listen to his reading. Otherwise, I had never put in great effort to study on my own. I even attended children’s day celebrations at my father’s office. Memories of the celebration is still very fresh in my mind.

My parents have quite different personalities. My father was very calm and soft-spoken. I bet that there cannot be one soul who was hurt by his words. He was very liked by all and a preferred company for anyone in the family. He always cherished reading. He never encouraged gossip or non-informative reading. He has set a high standard for his values. He ensured that he was always on high roads however low anyone would try to drag him to. He enjoyed reading at least for 8 hours a day during his retired life. Mostly Venkatesh and SriKrishna accompanied my father in the evenings for a short walk in our colony. His grandchildren lovingly called him thathu and Sirji.

I’m very fortunate to have been mentored by him until my retirement age. With all his memories all that I can summarize is that I am very proud of him. His last wish on his deathbed was that his sons and daughter should always be united. We, his sons and daughter built our residence complex ‘AMOGHA /அமோகா'  by his last wish.

 We now at “AMOGHA” remember and thank our beloved father who lived a disciplined life for 83 years and attained a heavenly abode in 2008 without seeing Grand daughter/son married and also our new flat "AMOGHA"

I wanted to mention a lot about my father while I began to write, but then felt that all thoughts can’t find words.

In my opinion, the only tribute to him will be to live our lives as testaments to the love and lessons that he has instilled in us.